# Computer Applications (Certificate of Career Preparation)

Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Computer Information Systems

Source: https://catalog.paloverde.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=2&poid=173

Credits: 15.0

The Computer Applications Certificate of Career Preparation is designed to teach students the necessary software, skills, and tools utilized in today's professional computing environments. Students will learn how to effectively and efficiently utilize the most up-to-date Microsoft Office software (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, & Word), how to program webpages using HTML programming language, desktop publishing using powerful tools such as Adobe Illustrator and InDesign, as well as specializing the certificate through choosing 3 units of specialized study from the CIS program offerings. Students completing this certificate will be ready for entry level jobs in graphic design, desktop publishing, website development, website maintenance, professional office applications, word processing, data entry and information processing, and data management. This degree requires 15 units (12 units from required courses & 3 units from restricted electives).

## Program Outcomes

1.  Acquire and validate resources to solve technical problems; use information resources to gather discipline specific information or materials.
2.  Students will demonstrate understanding of the basics of computers and applications, including web page design and desktop publishing.
3.  Students will demonstrate understanding of the basics of computers and applications, including web page design and desktop publishing.

### Program Requirements

#### Required Core Courses - Total 12 Credits

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CIS 101 | Introduction to Computers and Information Systems | 3 |
| CIS 123 | Web Page Design Using HTML | 3 |
| CIS 130 | Introduction to 3D Computer Animation | 3 |
| CIS 260 | Desktop Publishing | 3 |

#### Computer Information Systems Electives - Choose a minimum of 3 credits from the list below - Total 3 Credits

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CIS 124 | Web Page Design Tools | 3 |
| CIS 131 | Animation Principles and Production I | 3 |
| CIS 132 | Animation Principles and Production II | 3 |
| CIS 133 | Advanced 3D Computer Animation | 3 |
| CIS 265 | Adobe Photoshop | 3 |